403 error before setup??

**BillNally** · 1 Dec 2011, 09:15 PM

Hi all, got another odd problem. I’ve uploaded a clean site to a namesco server only to get an instant 403 error. Being a 403 the error log says next to nothing and I have no idea what to do. Checked the file permisions and they are 0771 on all folders and 0660 on php and 0664 on html, txt and images.
Anyone had this problem before? Namesco are less than useless for support and just said they won’t help with code.
www.stgeorges-school.co.uk

**DrByte** · 1 Dec 2011, 09:47 PM

Remember, 403 = Forbidden. So generally speaking that's either a permissions issue on the filesystem or a rules/access issue in the webserver engine's security setup (ie: consider .htaccess or httpd.conf settings if this were Apache).

Can't see how it would be a code issue.

**BillNally** · 1 Dec 2011, 09:50 PM

Right so it is down to them.
Thanks for your help as ever

**DrByte** · 1 Dec 2011, 10:16 PM

Have you tried using higher permissions on the last "bit"? ie: 771 and 660 are quite restrictive for that last setting, the public one. 755 and 644 are more common.
Their tech support and/or online support docs could clarify whether that makes a difference given the way they've configured their servers. And of course your own testing might reveal some things too.

But when a host does things that are unusual like that, and when their support isn't capable of helping at the level required, it begs the question: why not use a better host?

**BillNally** · 2 Dec 2011, 03:30 PM

Little update.
Namesco redeemed themselves a little and told me that the problem was the .htaccess file in the zc_install folder. Deleted it and the install went through without a hitch. Trouble I have now is all the .htaccess files are blocking every folder that I’ve tried.
Very grateful for any advice

**DrByte** · 2 Dec 2011, 09:09 PM

Windoze Servers running IIS habitually don't like .htaccess files. You'll need to find different ways of providing the same security protections using whatever tools your hosting company offers.

**whitespace** · 7 May 2012, 04:49 PM

I have this problem too on a brand new installation.

I deleted the .htaccess file and ZC installed fine. I ran through all the security recommendations and measures and changed file/directory CHMOD permissions, etc..... I didn't like not having the .htaccess file there so re-uploaded it and now the store is back to 403 Forbidden....?

I'm not having problems with .htaccess files in my WordPress installation or any other directories in the public-html folder.

My site is with HostGator running on LinuxCentOS?

**whitespace** · 7 May 2012, 05:01 PM

Just to clarify: the .htaccess file was the one located in the top level folder for the store which has now been re-uploaded; the zc_install folder has been deleted to complete the security measures.

**fairestcape** · 7 May 2012, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by whitespace

Just to clarify: the .htaccess file was the one located in the top level folder for the store which has now been re-uploaded; the zc_install folder has been deleted to complete the security measures.

Native Zencart does not have a htaccess file in the root.

Where did yours come from?

**DrByte** · 7 May 2012, 08:24 PM

Zen Cart doesn't supply a .htaccess for the root of your site. That's up to you. If you have added one and it's causing you problems, then remove it. Then re-think what you're putting into the file and sort out what part of it is causing you problems.

Zen Cart only supplies .htaccess files for subdirectories within the Zen Cart folders. It does not need one at the top level in order to operate. Anything you add to the top level is entirely at your own discretion.